This blog started off by focussing on NZ's smaller 3rd level airlines, past and present. It has evolved to trying to present some record of NZ's domestic airline operations and some of the larger charter operators, interesting NZ international airliner movements and photos I have taken around the country. Comments, corrections or contributions are welcome, Steve - westland831@gmail.com

03 June 2010

flyDirect's Demise - the Aftermath in Wanaka

The following extract from the Wanaka Sun gives a little more insight to the fallout from flyDirect going into liquidation...

“We are all very sad. We had a fantastic response from the people of Wanaka,” marketing manager for flyDirect Sarah Moore said. In the past few weeks the Queenstown Airport Corporation was preparing Wanaka Airport to handle the extra flights. Airport manager Ralph Fegan had to undergo training to handle the airport’s first permanently-based fire truck. flyDirect said it had no plans in place to operate services to Wanaka next winter. Lake Wanaka Tourism Manager James Helmore said the news was “a huge disappointment to Wanaka.” “It would have been a huge opportunity to open up new markets, especially ones from the North Island,” he said. Lake Wanaka Tourism is holding talks with Eagle Air and another airline to expand services at Wanaka Airport.